The reason why Teflon coatings have non-stick surface
Teflon coating is a type of fluoropolymer that includes the fluorine atom which is the reason for most of its unique characteristics. According to Williiam Raford who is the technology manager of DuPont Fluoroproducts, the electron structure of fluorine is very stable and it does not share any of its electrons with other atoms. The molecular composition of Teflon is two carbon atoms and four fluorine atoms and this is repeated throughout its molecular structure. The fluorine atoms shield the carbon atoms from reacting. Aside from ensuring that the surface of Teflon coatings do not react with certain chemicals, fluorine also plays a major role in providing the coating with low coefficient of friction. This is the reason why your Teflon cookware has that signature slippery quality. The unique slickness and inactivity of other chemicals makes Teflon an ideal component of spacesuits and insulation for high voltage wires.
Teflon on fabrics
Fabric and clothing manufacturers are making use of Teflon coatings to achieve an amazing breathable and waterproof textile for high-performance clothing that includes hiking boots and mountain coats. Unlike ordinary fabrics, textiles with Teflon stop rain from penetrating the clothes but allow perspiration out of it. To put it simply, Teflon ensures that you are dry inside and outside at the same time. It sounds unbelievable but it is true. Between two layers of nylon is a layer of Teflon that allows water to flow in one direction. The type of Teflon coatings used are not actually waterproof because it has those tiny pores that are less than one micrometer in diameter or a fifth of the size of human hair. This is the explanation why your sweat can easily flow from your skin; drift through the fabric and out of your clothes. Rain that is droplets of water is 20,000 bigger than the pores of micro-porous Teflon meaning there is no way that it can penetrate the fabric.
Teflon coatings for household use
Aside from cookware and apparel, Teflon coatings protect your upholstery, draperies, beddings and linens from dirt, stains and spills without compromising weight, feel, color and breathability. Liquid spills can be wiped off easily particularly if it has been blotted with clean cloth. Dirt and dust can be brushed off easily because they do not stick on the fabric. Beauty products like nail polish are usually infused with Teflon to retain its aesthetic properties. Even hair styling products like include curling irons are made from Teflon so that hair will adhere and it will glide smoothly through the tools. Teflon functions in most common products, it just goes unnoticed.